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Topic: Epistle to the Romans (Read 2579 times)

Is there a good source out there collecting commentary by the Fathers on the epistle to the Romans? I am specifically looking for commentary on justification.

I checked ccel and did not find much (or, at least it was not clearly presented).

Of course, there is John Chrysostom and Origen (though I could not find his commentary on-line). Are there others who wrote extensively on Romans?

Greg

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Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. - Philippians 4:8

Ancient- St. John Chrysostom - Homilies on Romans- Origen - Commentary on the Epistle to the Romans (In 2 Volumes for $80 from CUA Press)- Ambrosiaster - Commentaries on Romans and 1-2 Corinthians (starting at $29 at amazon)- Ancient Christian Commentary On Scripture: Romans (starting at $20 at amazon, there is an index of authors cited/quoted that is viewable at amazon)

Modern- Lawrence R. Farley - The Epistle to the Romans: A Gospel For All ($14 at amazon)- Archbp. Dmitri Royster - St Paul's Epistle to the Romans: A Pastoral Commentary ($19 at amazon)

Greg, in addition to the commentaries already cited by others above, you might want to take a look at J Patout Burn's commentary on Romans in The Church's Bible collection. I have not examined the volume, but the purpose of the series is to introduce readers to the exegesis of the Fathers.

Among contemporary commentaries, take a look at N. T. Wright's "Paul for Everyone" commentary on Romans. Wright also has a longer commentary on Romans in the New Interpreters Bible commentary series.

You mention wanting something specific to read on the Apostle Paul and justification. Take a look at my recent blog series on this subject, beginning with "Eastern Orthodoxy and the Apostle Paul." Unfortunately, Orthodox theologians and scholars have not written very much about justification, preferring instead to skip right to theosis. This, I think, is unfortunate--especially given the fact that justification is an important theme for the Apostle. (Hint: when reading the Epistle to the Romans, read chapters 1-4 through the lens of chapters 5-8.)

Since then, N.T. Wright has helped shape my understanding of Romans. Ironically, I am about to start reading Karl Barth's Epistle to the Romans.

Greg

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Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. - Philippians 4:8

In Chapter 7, St. Paul talks about being at war in the flesh. In verses 17 and 20, when talking about doing what he "wills not to do," he repeats the phrase, "It is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me." What does this mean? Why is "sin" personified here?

And I also have a question that ties in with justification. What is the predestination that is acknowledged in 8:30?

Why you are using a contemporary non-Orthodox authors instead of Patristic ones? Aren't there any available?

As far as I know, no competent Orthodox biblical scholar has published a commentary on Romans that is available in English. Who do you recommend?

I am and will be consulting St John Chrysostom's homilies on Romans, but so far I am not finding him at all helpful, at least as an interpreter of Paul.

I just thought there might be some specific reason for using these authors instead of Orthodox ones but I understand the hardship of linguistic barrier. The only Orthodox author I know is Fr. Mikael Sundqvist who published his dissertation about St. Paul some years ago. Here is some information in English.

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But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.Leviticus 19:34